First and foremost, my prayers go out to the victims and their families in Boston. Just like we have a hard time understanding psychologically unhealthy people, we cannot understand what kind of man can be at war with innocents. History has witnessed many sick people leading others to commit atrocities, but there is one thing for certain; whatever the perpetrator or perpetrators might profess as a religion, they are not believers. If someone is capable of killing innocent people without so much as blinking an eye, then they are murderers with no fear of God. That is indisputable.

However, whenever there is a bombing or a mass shooting in public places like the atrocity in Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Connecticut, or the Aurora, Colorado massacre, or the 2011 Norway massacre, and many more, the worlds’ collective gaze shifts to “Muslims,” and some begin to express hateful sentiments even before the perpetuators are announced.

Just as it has become reflexive reaction in the Western world, to associate any attacks on civilians with Muslims, Muslims also hurry up to denounce the violence and want to make clear to the whole world that it is a violation of Islam, in case the murderer happens to have a Muslim identity.

Since these are times when emotions are high and people want quick justice, they sometimes seek targets to direct their anger. But inciting hatred, raising conflict and enmity, hatemongering, engaging in one-sided, aggressive propaganda and creating a climate of hysteria, or using the internet to incite a lynch mob, are also crimes.

As we have witnessed in the latest attack, while some react with common sense, others pour out words of hate targeting all Arabs and labeling all Muslims as potential murderers. For instance, a Fox News contributor—whether seriously or as satire—had the audacity to state that Muslims “…are evil…Let’s kill them all.” And I read a good many comments suggesting the extermination of Muslims.

But even if these voices are merely the ones being highlighted, these are still the voices of a minority, and very extreme examples at that. Some act this way because of pain and fear; others lack dignity and or even humanity in their soul – they are simply psychopaths.

While I say this, I also would like to strongly criticize those who express joy at the sight of horror in America, just because they think the American government’s foreign policies are wrong. On the other hand, I watched an Egyptian “cleric” saying this attack was definitely a jihad by mujahideen, adding that their execution was amateurish, and so it could not have been an Al-Qaida operation.

This chilling mindset is as horrifying to me, as a devout Muslim, as it is to any Westerner. The use of the concept of “jihad” for acts of aggression against innocent people is a great distortion of the true meaning of the term. Jihad—meaning to strive, to show an effort—is about telling people about Islam with knowledge, culture, love, affection and compassion; and to tell people the truth kindly, to treat them warmly, to respect their ideas, not to be ruthless toward them or shed blood, kill or hurt people or kill oneself.

I gave these two extreme examples because they do not represent the majority, and those who expressed them had no right to manipulate public feelings or opinion. Hatred and anger are likely to prevent people from thinking soundly and making just decisions. People can be inclined to injustice and cannot conduct themselves rationally when they let their anger guide their actions and words. So let us not accuse innocent people of acts they have never committed, or bear false witness against them. Let us keep some common sense, maintain our balance, and let us not give people the grounds to provoke. Even if they raise their voices, let us not permit them to misuse horrific atrocities to spread their poisonous and malicious propaganda.

About the Author:Sinem Tezyapar is an executive producer on Turkish Television. She is a political and religious commentator and a peace activist. She can be reached on Facebook, and Twitter.

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142 Responses to “A Muslim Perspective: Boston’s Tragedy Must Not Generate More Hate”

It would be interesting to know on what grounds you presume to call Sinem a “phony.” I’ll venture to guess there are none. Yet you casually slander her here, and insult the integrity of her commitment to inter-faith healing and understanding. Do you do this sort of thing often?

For myself, I think Sinem has done much to educate Americans and Westerners in general about the true teachings of Islam, in marked contrast to the Salafists’ self-serving distortions. Her erudition, wisdom, and humanity are a compliment to this publication, and illuminating to read.

I think it fair to say that the supposed fraud you allege to see in her work here is most likely a phantom of your own paranoia and narrow prejudice.

There are peaceful Muslims who should also be heard:
Muslimsforlife(dot)org – successfully collected 10,000 pints of blood to honor 3,000 dead of 9/11 (by saving 30,000 lives.
Muslimsforpeace(dot)org – condemning terrorism, promoting Islamic value of loyalty to ones nation, peace, bus-ads and flyers and leaflets to promote the same.

These terrorists fight not for Islam but for their own personal gains. Islam is just a garb they use to hide their political agendas while Islam instructs its followers to practice patience:
[Qur’an 2:257] “There should be no compulsion in religion. Surely, right has become distinct from wrong; … ”
[Qur’an 3:187] “… you shall surely hear many hurtful things from those who were given the Book before you and from those who set up equals to God. But if you show fortitude and act righteously, that indeed is a matter of strong determination.”

Robert: YOU IDIOT. Everyone with a brain KNOWS that "interfaith" means moslems tell others what to do and believe…but since you are such a nasty piece of work and want proof, let me get you some, DUDE.

you are so blind, you don't even know that the "woman" you see is a cover for the moslem man who is trying to pull wool over Jews' eyes…i have given you some links..READ before you go off on me…do you even think or do you just spew? INTERFAITH is taquiyya…oh, excuse me, I am speaking to a moslem or an apolgist…

I don't need a fake woman who is really a fat Turkish man who wants the world to bow down to Islam, and is trying to fool Jews, to know about Islam. Here is what I know, besides the bombing in Boston….http://www.masada2000.org/arafat-plo.html……http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/01/the_slow_motion_ethnic_cleansi.html…….HITLER and THE GRAND MUFTI – MOSLEM in cahoots,…..MOSLEMS forced Jews to wear yellow bands in 807 AD…the caliphate that ended in 1928 which gave rise to the MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD in 1929, HAMAS, HEZBELLAH, PLO, and countless savagery against Jews AND Christians for over 1400 years….Gates of Vienna, Charles Martel, barbaric attacks against Jews in France, Norway, Sweden and more…."palis" killing the Fogel family, moslems killing Ilan Halimi…I could write for the rest of the night and not get to all the barbarity of moslems, and most against Jews….they call Jews apes and monkies….READ THE KORAN, DUDE and don't be such a snot…You think I am just a stupid woman..I can take you on….shut your piehole, WERDINE.

This article is an outrage and is the most disgraceful article that I've ever seen printed in The Jewish Press, aside from the other articles that it's published by Sinem Tezyapar. What happened to journalistic integrity? You have a responsibility to your loyal readership. Does The Jewish Press even bother to vet it's op-ed writers for credibility? Do you know who the orchestrates Sinem from behind the scenes: Adnan Oktar of Turkish TV's Channel A9. He's an anti-Semitic Holocaust denier, and this article is dangerous. We're in an informational battle, and some of us spend hours a day in order to raise awareness about the problems we face with terrorism and Jihad, and then The Jewish Press publishes this piece that trivializes it and reduces Jihad and terrorism to an individual's "sickness."

This is too much! First of all, who cares what Sinem thinks? Is she our new ambassador of peace. Why is she circulating this type of propaganda in Jewish publications, and why on earth is The Jewish Press allowing her to do so?

Sinem whitewashes the ideology of Islam and blames it on individual "sickness," rather than on terrorism and Jihad. Then, to add insult to injury, she compares the Boston Marathon Bombing to Sandy Hook. This is why this woman and Adnan Oktar are so dangerous. They are attempting to disarm us, so our guard is down. Those who are unaware of the ideology might believe this!

Sinem has made her way around all the Jewish and pro-Israel social networking groups, sites, and publications, but why isn't she posting about Muslim love of Israel and Jews on Israel- and Jew-hating networks and media. I think the answer is rather clear.

Nanette, obviously, Robert, as well as whoever allowed this op-ed to be released is quite a chump. Everything that comes out of Sinem's mouth and pen is orchestrated by Adnan Oktar. I would be thrilled if what she has to say was the truth, but we know that more scholarly and seasoned experts on the Koran discredit Sinem's dangerous propaganda. We in an uphill informational battle, and The Jewish Press is complicit in misleading the public by giving Sinem a platform to execute Taqiyya. Muslims are allowed to swear on the Koran and lie, although I know Sinem has distorted that doctrine to fit into her false narrative.

I really don't even think, however, that Sinem wrote the above piece herself. I think Oktar's behind everything, perhaps even the pretty face that the men seem to be fawning over isn't even her at all. The following is a link to an excellent report on Oktar and his harem, which includes Sinem. It's a real eye-opener. When you go to the link, there's a downloadable report with footnotes. Click on the link and then on the download button. Each footnote has a link with additional information. Robert would be well advised to do the same himself, since it seems relatively clear that he's severely uninformed.

The following is a link to an excellent report on Oktar and his harem, which includes Sinem. It's a real eye-opener. When you go to the link, there's a downloadable report with footnotes. Click on the link and then on the download button once the page loads. Each footnote has a link that leads to additional information and documents. The editors of The Jewish Press would be well advised to do the same before they publish another piece by Sinem and mislead their readership.

This is what Islam is.
Sahih Bukhari Hadith Volume 4, Book 52, Number 176: Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said, "You (i.e. Muslims) will fight with the Jews till some of them will hide behind stones. The stones will (betray them) saying, 'O 'Abdullah (i.e. slave of Allah)! There is a Jew hiding behind me; so kill him.'" Sahih Bukhari Hadith Volume 4, Book 52, Number 177: Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Jews, and the stone behind which a Jew will be hiding will say. "O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, so kill him."

Sahih Bukhari Hadith Volume 4, Book 52, Number 176: Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said, "You (i.e. Muslims) will fight with the Jews till some of them will hide behind stones. The stones will (betray them) saying, 'O 'Abdullah (i.e. slave of Allah)! There is a Jew hiding behind me; so kill him.'" Sahih Bukhari Hadith Volume 4, Book 52, Number 177: Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Jews, and the stone behind which a Jew will be hiding will say. "O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, so kill him."

Sahih Bukhari Hadith Volume 4, Book 52, Number 176: Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said, "You (i.e. Muslims) will fight with the Jews till some of them will hide behind stones. The stones will (betray them) saying, 'O 'Abdullah (i.e. slave of Allah)! There is a Jew hiding behind me; so kill him.'" Sahih Bukhari Hadith Volume 4, Book 52, Number 177: Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Jews, and the stone behind which a Jew will be hiding will say. "O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, so kill him."

Thank you, Donny. That was very educational. It's a shame the editors of The Jewish Press failed to take their responsibility to us seriously and didn't take the time to investigate the false claims made in Sinem's article. As a result, they are complicit is perpetrating a false and dangerous narrative.

Can you imagine the absolute journalistic negligence to release such an offensive article as this. Can you imagine how the wounded victims and the families of loved ones who senselessly died the must feel to see their names dishonored with such lies, calling their perpetrators "psychopaths," instead of exposing the truth, so they wouldn't have died in vain? What an insult to our intelligence!

I want to make a comment from my unlikely perch as being a member of a family that has lost two people to "State terrorism" and being the father of a son who just barely escaped from a terrorist attack that took the lives of his two best friends and 8 others. This article of Sinem is excellent. Especially at times of heated emotions, what is needed is what the article unveils as central – a balance and a focus on the issues to be dealt with and avoidance of indiscrimate accusations and fault finding. We don't need the harming or endangering of the innocent and we need utmost effort at concretizing and solving the true problem. The article is good and it was good to see published by the Jewish Press. In our own endeavors in what has struck our family, by restraining ourselves from indiscriminate flow over of emotional reaction, we have been able to focus on what really does matter. We have made progress because of this in what we endeavoring to do

I want to make a comment from my unlikely perch as being a member of a family that has lost two people to "State terrorism" and being the father of a son who just barely escaped from a terrorist attack that took the lives of his two best friends and 8 others. This article of Sinem is excellent. Especially at times of heated emotions, what is needed is what the article unveils as central – a balance and a focus on the issues to be dealt with and avoidance of indiscrimate accusations and fault finding. We don't need the harming or endangering of the innocent and we need utmost effort at concretizing and solving the true problem. The article is good and it was good to see published by the Jewish Press. In our own endeavors in what has struck our family, by restraining ourselves from indiscriminate flow over of emotional reaction, we have been able to focus on what really does matter. We have made progress because of this in what we endeavoring to do.

Robert Werdine I will not be insulting to you, but I do have a few questions 1) what are you basing your suppositions about Islam on? 2) Is Islam based on the the lovely words of a beautiful women or the Life, instruction, and revelation of their Prophet Mohamed?

Scott Swanson — Simply put, Islam is the nearest religion to the Torah's definition of a proper gentile religion. It complies with the seven Noahide laws and it does not worship idols. This is not my own surmise, this is how the Shulchan Aruch rules. A Jew is permitted to pray inside a mosque, but is not allowed to even set foot inside a church. Our rabbis have had much worse issues with Christianity, and most opinions hold that it is plagued with idolatrous notions and serious problems with icons and symbols.

Yori,
Just to add – I have followed the recent writings of and reactions to Sinem Tezyapar and I have this to say, some of the reactions against her expressed here as comments to her article, are equaled or exceeded by some of the comments made against her by Muslims who are so opposed to her references to Jews having every right to be in Israel, to be right on the temple mount, that there really was a Holocaust horrific in its extent and fury, and other much pro Israel and pro jewish sentiment. She does not express this in the corner of some lounge in some Swiss Chalet, but in Turkey, which just last saw the revelation that Al Qaida terrorist attack had been thwarted in July that woud have seen the the American Embassy targeted , as well as a synagogue, and the mentor of her group assassinated – the group that had interviewed and welcomed such Jews as Chief Rabbi Meir Lau and Minister ****reet on their TV program. So M. Tezyapar could remain silent as to her views and be safe, unnoticed, and unattacked, or she could do just what she is doing. Those are her choices. I really commend you for having her articles on the Jewish Press.

The Koran says to kill Jews. Hamas, Hezbellah, Muz Bruthahood et al says to kill Jews. They do kill Jews. They also preach that we are pigs and that all Jews and Israel should be removed from the world. So why, Yori, do you continue to stick up for Islam? I bet the Fogel family, Danielle Sheffi, the victims of 9.11, the Boston Marathon bombing, and the victims of the Holocaust would disagree with you, if they could..after all, hitler and the Grand Mufti were in cahoots.

It does not matter what YOU think Jihad means. It only matters that there is a number of people with power who think that there is a war on with the West.
I know that the West is NOT at war with Islam.
These men thought otherwise.

Yes, and do you recall how many rabbis were responsible for telling the Jews to remain before they were slaughtered in the Holocaust. This is dangerous publishing. You might have read Sinem's articles, but have you taken the time to research Adnan Oktar, the real voice behind the messenger? Her analogies are an outrage and dishonor the victims of the bombing. I did not give her my consent to be the ambassador of peace for Israel and the Jews. Peace and discourse can only be achieved when it's based on fact and truth. Sinem lies about the endemic hatred in Islamic doctrine. This does not do us a favor. It muddies the water and disarms us from very real risks!

I have been following Ms. Tezyapar’s writing for the last few months. She is a voice for moderation in the Muslim world and she speaks to the groups who need to hear that voice. I represent two of those groups and, as an American Jew, I can tell you hers is a voice that is welcome. She referenced Sandy Hook, that event personally hit me very hard. The perpetrator was homegrown. A terrorist who targeted children. The instant it happened, out came the conspiracy theory nuts. The same was true with this event. When it happened it didn’t need to be said, it was implied that Muslims were behind it. Hearing a voice that says this is a fringe action and not representative of an entire faith is combating hate. Some may believe that combating hate with more hate is productive. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Marie Bendavid — in a time of upheaval, civilized Jews, by which I mean halachic Jews, are responsible to teach the rest of humanity good from bad. In that context, we find that Islam, despite having been on the ropes politically due to the insane behavior of many of its coreligionists, is still the best existing gentile religion as prescribed by our teachers. And so, when we become aware of a message of hope and a love of the true God emanating from among the Muslim civilization, we are obligated to promote it.

Bert Schlossberg — I agree, and I happen to know that the life of her group is under constant threat in Turkey. At the same time, they also reach millions of readers and listeners in the Turkish realm, reaching all the way out to Mongolia. They're gutsy folks.

Hartley Macklin — The West is one confused sheep, unable to discern friend from foe, and stepping on its own feet in an attempt to please wicked Muslims while incinerating innocent ones. If the West had the courage of its own convictions we would not be in this mess.

Mind you, it was the West that encouraged and supported the fledgling Al Qaida in the early 1980s, providing them with CIA training and with weapons. They learned fast, from the best.

The obama compliant media is falling all over itself to continue to condemn the use of such terms as jihadist as "islamophobia." Today, all the media is attacking those that are demanding an investigation into the Muslim Brotherhood funded mosque the two terrorists attended which is well known for the radical Anti Jew comments by its "imam." But what is really telling is that obamamedia is all in a tither against "retribution against the Muslim community" when history in the US proves that never happens – even after jihadi terror like Boston and Ft Hood.

What I see though is that there is no "moderate" part of the community that has come out and condemned this terrorism and that there is no organized move within the community to stop it. Time to **** or get off the pot: If you truly oppose jihadi terrorism then organize within the community against the terror. Instead, the so called moderates only condemn those that attack jihad.

The obama compliant media is falling all over itself to continue to condemn the use of such terms as jihadist as "islamophobia." Today, all the media is attacking those that are demanding an investigation into the Muslim Brotherhood funded mosque the two terrorists attended which is well known for the radical Anti Jew comments by its "imam." But what is really telling is that obamamedia is all in a tither against "retribution against the Muslim community" when history in the US proves that never happens – even after jihadi terror like Boston and Ft Hood.

What I see though is that there is no "moderate" part of the community that has come out and condemned this terrorism and that there is no organized move within the community to stop it. Time to **** or get off the pot: If you truly oppose jihadi terrorism then organize within the community against the terror. Instead, the so called moderates only condemn those that attack jihad.

Yori Yanover Civilized Jews are also taught to defend ourselves against the enemy. And jihad is our enemy. I would be more impressed if the Muslim community cam out en masse to condemn the jihadists and start teaching their children against it not just reacting after a mass murder more concerned about perceived retribution (never happens) the about changing the radical elements and eliminating them

"the worlds’ collective gaze shifts to “Muslims,” and some begin to express hateful sentiments even before the perpetuators are announced."

Totally incorrect! Obama compliant media in the US and most of the left wing Anti-Jew media in Europe very quickly moved to declare the Boston Massacre an attack carried out by "old right wing gun nuts." Go to CNN, NBC, Huff Po, NPR and so on – all media that routinely demonizes Jews and declares any critique of terrorism "islamophobia." (Itself a term invented by CAIR – a group that four separate US Federal Court judges defined as a terror front for hamas).

After the terrorists were identified as jihadists, the same press rushed to demand we not "pre-judge."

When the leadership in the Muslim community starts to legitimately organize against jihadists we will see a perception change. Yet, after Boston as after the Ft Hood terror attack, the only reaction from the Muslim community was a "fear" of retribution and revenge (neither materialized) rather then abhorrence and speaking out against it.

Time for the Muslim community to decide: Will there be a continued acceptance of the genocide (and silence denotes acceptance) or will there finally be a proper response. To date, there has never been a proper response.

Dear Sinem
The following are only a few verses taken from different chapters of Muhammad’s Quran not one of which is OUT of CONTEXT.

What most Muslims do not recognize is the DOGMA of Abrogation whereby the later verses allegedly revealed to Muhammad in Medina Abrogate/ Unsikhoo (made Null & Void) the earlier conciliatory verses of Mecca.

Al Tauba 9:29 “Fight [qatiloo] those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His apostle [Muhammad] nor acknowledge the religion of truth [ISLAM] (even if they are) of the People of the Book [Christians & Jews] until they pay the Jizya [onerous Tax for not being a Muslim] with willing submission and feel themselves humiliated”.

Al Anfal 8:55 “For the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are those who reject Him: They will not believe” [la you^minoona].

Al Mai’da 5: 51 “O yes who believe (Muslims)! take not the Jews [Yahood] and the Christians [Nasara] for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them…”.

Al Imran 3:85 “ If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah) never will it be accepted of him…”.

Anyone who does not believe my assertions just Google ‘alrassooli’ and take up over one million dollars’ worth of challenges to disprove me.

Muslims must come to the realization that it is responsibility that engenders respect. Islamic terrorism IS a Muslim problem. It is the house of Islam that is poisoned. It is the responsibility of Muslims to combat these evil forces and cleanse their house and their reputation. No one else can do this. Only then will they be respected and not treated with suspicion and fear. Only then.

The only way this fits into Islam, is that these two guys were lonely, confused, and angry. They periodically attended a local mosque, but what local mosques should now start providing is counseling services. Because that man in Portland, Oregon was tipped off to the authorities by his family, which he was estranged from. How many more lonely, confused, and angry men out there are going to resort to terrorism, and claim they are doing so in the name of Islam? Now they have suicide prevention services in the phone book, and they should have a Muslim hotline services listed in the phone book too. Because both are destructive behaviors, and both need to be counseled. Also, local law enforcement agencies should have sociologists on their staffs. Because this is a major sociological problem.

Yori, yes, I've followed that aspect of it myself. gutsy and courageous. It couldn't be if she wasn't sincere. I don't think that the people who are so against her articles, are aware of the opposition, not just verbal against her and her and her pro Israel thoughts openly expressed. an example I just now saw, on the verbal level, "what???? what the hell with jews and Zionist? shame on u…. that this lady is ur friend". So she gets it on both sides.to me it is commendable that she carries on.

Yori, yes, I've followed that aspect of it myself. gutsy and courageous. It couldn't be if she wasn't sincere. I don't think that the people who are so against her articles, are aware of the opposition, not just verbal against her and her and her pro Israel thoughts openly expressed. an example I just now saw, on the verbal level, "what???? what the hell with jews and Zionist? shame on u…. that this lady is ur friend". So she gets it on both sides.to me it is commendable that she carries on.

Like all Moslem spokesmen, the author is either ignorant about his own religion, or he is a liar. He is concerned only about polishing Islam's image in the minds of non-Moslems, and not at all about the ideology which motivates the Moslem terrorists. The author even lies about the meaning of the word "jihad". The most popular manual of sharia law, Umdat al-Salik, approved by the highest Islamic authorities of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Egypt (Al Azhar University) and the United States defines "jihad" this way: "Jihad means to war against non-Muslims". Well, you cannot get plainer than that! This ideology of Islamic supremacy, based on jihad in the way of Allah, is based on the Koran and on the sacred sayings of Muhammad. Who is Sinem Tezyapar to say that Allah is wrong, Muhammad is wrong and the most respected Islamic religious authorities are wrong about Islam?

You consider M. Tezyapar to be a messenger of Adnan Oktar whom you view as an avirulent anti semite and a Holocaust denier. I first want to comment about Adnan Oktar. I believe this is accurate – Adnan Oktar, to whom Ms. Tezyapar looks to as a guide and influence on her thinking, himself, had evolved in his thinking about Jews and Israel. Reputed to be a 'Holocaust denier', though he had in court fought that claim as it was based on a book he has denied authorship of, he had, over the years, come to clearly affirm the actuality of the holocaust in all its horrors for the Jewish people. In 2004, the Stephen Roth Institute of Tel Aviv University, reversing its findings of 2001, expressed the opinion that Oktar had increased his tolerance toward others, asserting that "he now works towards promoting inter-religious dialogue" and calling upon all Muslims to have "a tolerant and friendly attitude toward other religions". In 2006, BAV published a book strongly affirming the Holocaust. The Holocaust Violence states "The Nazis subjected European Jews to indisputable and unforgivable cruelty during World War II. They humiliated, insulted and degraded millions of Jewish civilians, forcing them from their homes and enslaving them in concentration camps under inhuman conditions… Certainly the Jewish people, of whom 5.5 million died in concentration camps, were the worst victims of the Nazi barbarity."

Ms. Tezyapar, has likewise been consistent, clear, and vocal about the rights of Jews to live in their own land, the Land of Israel, to have freedom to be and to pray on the "Temple Mount" – the Al Aksa mosque – Dome of the Rock area, and to defend their country from agression. One may dispute her interpretation of the Koran or the Hadith or the meaning of the word "Muslim", but that is very different form considering her insincere, or anti- semitic herself, or any of the other accusations. I think that she has stuck her neck out very far in the context of a Muslim culture with radical Muslims readily accessible. And I dont know how her following publshed words could ever be construed as anything but Pro- Israel and Pro Jewish:

"…For hundreds of years, Jews have known suffering, pain, and have never been at ease. Since the Diaspora, they have been expelled from almost every place they ever went for centuries. And now there are some who say they want the Jews to leave Israel also. The question arises, "Where are they supposed to go?" The Jews, the people of Israel, have the right to live in the Holy Land, in peace and security; indeed, it is so commanded by God Himself in the Qur'an: "And thereafter We said to the Children of Israel: 'Dwell securely in the Promised Land.'" (Surah Al-Isra, 104)

"Therefore, no one who professes submission to God and heeds the Word of God can oppose their existence in the Holy Land. And as Turks, as Muslims as much as we want the welfare of humanity, we should want Jews to live in peace as well. We must always make our best efforts to ensure this goal…"

Excuse me Marwan, I didn't mean you, when I posted. I am still not adept at using this online way of discussing. Sorry will try here – M. Tezyapar is considered tobe by some as a messenger of Adnan Oktar who is viewed as an a virulent anti semite and a Holocaust denier. I first want to comment about Adnan Oktar. I believe this is accurate – Adnan Oktar, to whom Ms. Tezyapar looks to as a guide and influence on her thinking, himself, had evolved in his thinking about Jews and Israel. Reputed to be a 'Holocaust denier', though he had in court fought that claim as it was based on a book he has denied authorship of, he had, over the years, come to clearly affirm the actuality of the holocaust in all its horrors for the Jewish people. In 2004, the Stephen Roth Institute of Tel Aviv University, reversing its findings of 2001, expressed the opinion that Oktar had increased his tolerance toward others, asserting that "he now works towards promoting inter-religious dialogue" and calling upon all Muslims to have "a tolerant and friendly attitude toward other religions". In 2006, BAV published a book strongly affirming the Holocaust. The Holocaust Violence states "The Nazis subjected European Jews to indisputable and unforgivable cruelty during World War II. They humiliated, insulted and degraded millions of Jewish civilians, forcing them from their homes and enslaving them in concentration camps under inhuman conditions… Certainly the Jewish people, of whom 5.5 million died in concentration camps, were the worst victims of the Nazi barbarity."

Ms. Tezyapar, has likewise been consistent, clear, and vocal about the rights of Jews to live in their own land, the Land of Israel, to have freedom to be and to pray on the "Temple Mount" – the Al Aksa mosque – Dome of the Rock area, and to defend their country from agression. One may dispute her interpretation of the Koran or the Hadith or the meaning of the word "Muslim", but that is very different form considering her insincere, or anti- semitic herself, or any of the other accusations. I think that she has stuck her neck out very far in the context of a Muslim culture with radical Muslims readily accessible. And I don't know how her following publshed words could ever be construed as anything but Pro- Israel and Pro Jewish:

"…For hundreds of years, Jews have known suffering, pain, and have never been at ease. Since the Diaspora, they have been expelled from almost every place they ever went for centuries. And now there are some who say they want the Jews to leave Israel also. The question arises, "Where are they supposed to go?" The Jews, the people of Israel, have the right to live in the Holy Land, in peace and security; indeed, it is so commanded by God Himself in the Qur'an: "And thereafter We said to the Children of Israel: 'Dwell securely in the Promised Land.'" (Surah Al-Isra, 104).

"Therefore, no one who professes submission to God and heeds the Word of God can oppose their existence in the Holy Land. And as Turks, as Muslims as much as we want the welfare of humanity, we should want Jews to live in peace as well. We must always make our best efforts to ensure this goal…"

This is an article published by the right wing Israeli "settler"organ Arutz Sheva which which is about the recent attacks by Muslims against Adnan Oktar.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/159168#.UWeAehk1ge0. And I draw attention to the following – It is now made public that in July of 2012, an Al Qaida ring had been smashed in Turkey's two main cities Istanbul and Ankara, and also in the smaller Corlu district, with weapon storage and explosives. Police seized 700 kilos (1,500 pounds) of explosives, along with assault rifles, ammunition, bomb-making instructions and detailed maps of Ankara and the floor plans of the attack targets. Computers had been found. Forensic analysis of the computers’ contents and other documents revealed preparations for bomb attacks on the American embassy, the private Rahmi M. Koc Museum, and a synagogue in the Balat district of Istanbul. Found also was an assassination plan (along with the floor plan of his home) with the name of its intended target – Adnan Oktar. The Al Queda planned assassination attempt most likely was inreponse to Oktars welcoming of Jewish and Israeli high level personages to be interviewed on TV with him – such as Israeli Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Meir Lau and Minister ****reet.

This is an article published by the right wing Israeli "settler"organ Arutz Sheva which which is about the recent attacks by Muslims against Adnan Oktar.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/159168#.UWeAehk1ge0. And I draw attention to the following – It is now made public that in July of 2012, an Al Qaida ring had been smashed in Turkey's two main cities Istanbul and Ankara, and also in the smaller Corlu district, with weapon storage and explosives. Police seized 700 kilos (1,500 pounds) of explosives, along with assault rifles, ammunition, bomb-making instructions and detailed maps of Ankara and the floor plans of the attack targets. Computers had been found. Forensic analysis of the computers’ contents and other documents revealed preparations for bomb attacks on the American embassy, the private Rahmi M. Koc Museum, and a synagogue in the Balat district of Istanbul. Found also was an assassination plan (along with the floor plan of his home) with the name of its intended target – Adnan Oktar. The Al Queda planned assassination attempt most likely was inreponse to Oktars welcoming of Jewish and Israeli high level personages to be interviewed on TV with him – such as Israeli Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Meir Lau and Minister ****reet.

Well, since a kippah wearing Jew was nearly killed on the train yesterday, by a peaceful yet somehow screaming anti-semitic Black Muslim, and the presumed rest of the American Black commuters did NOT attack the racist Muslim, but instead tried to kill the NYPD who responded, I say PHOOEY on the speeches. People will stop labelling when YOU start behaving. That minding his own business Jewish commuter is NOT responsible for the world's problems.

Well, since a kippah wearing Jew was nearly killed on the train yesterday, by a peaceful yet somehow screaming anti-semitic Black Muslim, and the presumed rest of the American Black commuters did NOT attack the racist Muslim, but instead tried to kill the NYPD who responded, I say PHOOEY on the speeches. People will stop labelling when YOU start behaving. That minding his own business Jewish commuter is NOT responsible for the world's problems.

They should both rot in H. Wake up America. This is pre-Nazi Germany and the extremists are the Nazis. Have no mercy for they want to murder us. Remember the innocent child and young people and those who died and who are without limbs. Remember 911. Have no mercy for they seek a heaven with virgins that do not exist while we want to live only in peace. Rabbi DR. BERNHARD ROSENBERG P.S. I AM a clergyman who who will never forgive or forget what the Nazis did when THEY MURDERED MY FAMILY, innocent babies and men and women. I have no mercy on villains.

Arie's Pragmatic Politics – That's not the point. Any criminal activity by any Muslim, individual or group, must be met sternly, and punishingly. I don't care if they color it "Jihad" or any other slogan, crime is crime, and we send our police and military forces to stop and punish it. That's not the point.

The point is that when a gentile person, who used to be quite the anti-Semite, has undergone an obvious evolution, and is now dedicating his writing and his television appearances to talk of peace, and expressing his admiration of Judaism and the Jews, we should embrace him. Not because he's a holy man and not because he's some kind of righteous man — he is neither. He is simply a gentile person who used to think and talk one way and over the years, after becoming more familiar with us, has changed his mind. That's a good thing, and we should encourage it.

And Islam, as a way of life, is the recommended way for a gentile who wishes to live a moral life. Much more so, by far so, than Christianity, which is rife with idolatry and bizarre God-woman lovemaking stories, repugnant to ant monotheistic person. So, as Jews, we should encourage gentiles to become Muslim, despite the fact that so many are using this religion as a weapon and a tool of hate.

First of all, thank you Sinem Tezyapar﻿ for this article.
What i don’t understand that a lot of people ask why you Muslims who don’t believe in these barbaric acts reply and oppose them publicly. And when we do, we are called different names, one of them the word “Phony”.
Mrs. CohenRayman, with all due respect, what do u want more in order to be pleased? Renounce our faith? Well that will never happen! Leave our countries? Whether in the US or Canada we are as much citizens as those who were here 500 years ago, so that also will never happen!
On the other hand, the editor and the owners of this respectable paper must be thanked for their efforts to make the world a better place and not threatened, and by whom? By their own people! What a perspective of democracy and we’re called phony!
Mr. Al-Rassouli, I am sorry to tell you that you are wrong. All the historical context of what you posted is correct however your allusion that it is meant to be applied in all times is not correct. These verses belong to an era that is 1500 years old! It doesn’t apply here anymore. I know that you may say that those terrorists acts are committed based on them. Well, it is all related to that historical conflict between the moderates and the extremists of every religion. And history is full of such events.
You need to know also that, likewise the Bible and the Torah that have to be read in a specific way in order to understand them, the same thing applies to the Koran. You have to read the verses in their proper context and with correlations to others whether revealed in Mekkah or Medina, so all this abrogation issue doesn’t apply to the proper situation. Yes what is related to the personal “Halal” or “Haram” changed over the time within the time frame of the Koran, like drinking alcohol, but this is an exception and it was meant from the beginning to be banned but God did it progressively as it was part of the traditions at the time. But as to relations with people regarding tolerance, forgiveness and the 10 commandments, the greatest sin of killing innocent people, they apply in all times and places and not limited to any specific time.
As for the Jihad issue, one of the gentlemen here said that regardless of the true meaning of the word Jihad, those terrorists are using it to justify their acts. This is 100% true and it’s here where the whole issue lies. The Koran states clearly that there are 2 kinds of Jihad the greater and the lessor one. As for the latter, the physical Jihad, it applies in a very strict context, like for ex the whole world declares war on Muslims because they are Muslims, in that most unlikely rather impossible situation, then we Muslims are obliged to defend ourselves, and not only the Koran states that, the whole world legislations state that, in other words, we would be in another Holocaust. But i believe that we’re far far far far far from such a situation. The world and humanity is at war with terrorism regardless of their faith, and all of us, as citizens of the world we have to participate in any form in that war. As for the greater Jihad, the soul one, it always applies, we have to be in a continuous struggle with our souls in order to become better humans and useful to God and the society. As one ancient philosopher said: True victory is self victory. So this aspect has to be taught to all Muslims in order to change their understanding of that term.
Finally, i hope that all of you, especially those who are sceptic of our honest intentions, to help us fight those animals, they are our enemies as much as they’re yours.
God bless you all!

Here is an article from the Israeli right wing "settler" oriented news media Arutz Sheva which, of course, shares neither in the Islamic religion nor World view of Mr. Oktar, but relates the growing attacks on from Muslims who think who are opposed to contacts with Jews and Israelis. The believe he is not a Muslim, or in the hire of the Mossad or something of this order. It is hard for me to see that Oktar is using pro Israel to further his ends when it seems that his organization's openness is doing much to alienate him from Muslims. In any case, here is the Arutz Sheve article http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/159168#.UWeAehk1ge0.

Yori Yanover What a load of BS. There is no place in the bible that says to kill Jews or all non-believers, to take over the world, to admire and try to be like a pedophile, mass murderer. The Muslims kill others all over the world every day in the name of religion.
The best way to determine future behavior is look at past behavior, and doing that shows that the infidels are not the root of the hatred and terror, but Islam itself.

Wake up and smell the coffee, you are clearly one of those Jews who would have worked for Hitler, like Soros did.

Sinem Tezyapar is a member of the Adnan Oktar's community which praises a Turkish Islamic Union in the Middle East. They say that ''Turkey will conquer Israel and the Arab States and then peace will come.'' Beware of Taqiyya, she pretends like she is a peace activist. Here is their official website: http://www.turkishislamicunion.com.

No one is condoning hate here, but this comparison is obscene, and it wasn't the time and the place to promote her religion of "peace" and false message. It's exploitative of the victims and their families. It's our responsibility as Jews to spread the light of the Torah and the knowledge of G-d, not the teachings of Muhammad. This was the height of insensitivity. How dare she use this tragedy for her own agenda! How dare The Jewish Press give her a platform do to so!

How about CISPA being passed by the House just after the bombing? A little exploitative also? Or maybe the Iraq war; no one manipulated public opinion then. The fact that the Jewish Press gave her a platform should say something about Jews supporting a moderate "Muslim Hippie" (to use the phrase Yori Yanover penned). I didn't see an agenda being pushed, could you please enlighten me as to what agenda Ms. Tezyapar is trying to push?

Liad Bar-el Thanks for the tip. I've been wondering about that. Sometimes it workds and somethimes not. The other thing that I have trouble with. When I want to edit something, only a thin area appears, two or three lines. When I try to get in and go above or below what appears, I loss the edit completely. Got to learn. thanks, again!

That's complete bull****, there have been racially charged attacks against Muslims and non-Muslims from the Boston Marathon attack already. Hundreds of attacks have been attributed to hate crimes motivated by the events of September 11, 2001.

Fascinating! The media keeps quoting the Sura which paraphrases the mishna in Sanhedrin about the value of human life. This video shows that the Sura is a directive to the Jews and that the Sura validates/implies that the land of Israel belongs to the Jews.

The video then goes on to the next verse which is a directive to the Muslims advocating.
death and mutilation to those who disagree with Islam.

Not being familiar with the Koran, it was an eye opener not only seeing the first verse in context, but seeing the verse which follows it advocating terrorist behaviors.

Les Le Gear ………..I wonder why YORI didn't tell you to not curse….he told me not to, and I didn't even curse…seems Yori is such a believer of taquiyya that he hates women too….let men curse, but oh, when a woman has brains and knows whats going on, in comes YORI to tell me to shut up.

You are correct, Lisa Michelle. The whole message is taquiyya and for any Jew, including Yori to believe this, is heinous and grave disservice to Jews…I also dont appreciate being told by Yori to stop swearing when I did not…yet he allows a man to use a word I did not use and he does not admonish the man. So, this is what I think. Yori is a form of kapo, or he is just brain dead and a liberal who thinks as they throw rocks, and kill us, as Turkey DEMANDS payment for the flotilla floozies, as Boston is blown up, as Buddhists are being beheaded, as moslems in Norway and Sweden are driving the Jews out, as moslems are killing Jews in France, as moslem student associations are pushing BDS, on and on and on, not to mention 1400 years of hate for Jews, that this fake woman with the exessive eyeliner is the lone voice we are supposed to believe. PFFFFT

Yori Yanover – Just to mention that Islam is not the way for a gentile to live a moral Gd fearing life, the way of life (not a religion) is the 7 Noachide Laws, of which some Muslims in Israel have also embraced.

Well Ms. Cohen Rayman I personally do not believe in silencing anyone's views. Please don't stop swearing, we need a little color in this forum. I'm Jewish but also half black so I'm actually beginning to feel like the minority here. I mean Jesus Christ (oops!) what would have happened to my ancestors if that tall, white, Christian man who stood up for his principles didn't decide to "let my people go".(I might have put too many complex meanings in that sentence…sorry). So my question is this; can you come up with an original slur for a Black, Ashkanazi, Jewish, Christian that will finally let me feel at home among my people?

{Originally posted to author’s website, FirstOne Through} TRUST Trust is the bedrock of a functional relationship. It enables one party to rely on the other. A trust that includes both intention and capability permits a sharing of responsibility and workload. The relationship between US President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu started off badly and further […]

Erica Pelman is a spiritually-driven woman. She is founder and director of “In Shifra’s Arms” (ISA), an organization that offers aid to pregnant Jewish women of all religious backgrounds practically, financially and emotionally. Its arms are open to any pregnant woman in need whether single, divorced, separated, or from a financially-strapped family. “Presently, we are […]